Kiribati — Travel Tips
Social Conventions
Like the other Pacific islanders, the people are very friendly and hospitable and retain much of their traditional culture and lifestyle. In this casual atmosphere, European customs still prevail alongside local traditions. Although in official correspondence the Western convention of signing names with initials is adopted, it is more polite (and customary) to address people by their first name. Bikinis should not be worn except on the beach. Nudity and overly-scant swimming costumes are forbidden by local law.
International Travel
Getting There By Air
The national airline is Air Kiribati.
Departure Tax
A$20; children under two years of age, and transit passengers not leaving the airport are exempt.
Main Airports
Tarawa (Bonriki) (TRW) lies 11km (7 miles) northeast of Bikenibeu. To/from the airport: Buses operate every three to four minutes from the airport to the capital. Other airports include Christmas Island (CXI).
Getting There By Water
Main ports: Banaba, Christmas Island and Tarawa.
Kiribati is served by Norwegian Cruise Lines, which call at Fanning Island.
Duty Free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Kiribati without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 225g tobacco or cigars.
• 1L of spirits and 1L of wine (only if aged 21 years and older).
• A reasonable amount of perfume for personal use (subject to declaration).
• One pair of binoculars, one camera and six rolls of film, one cine camera and 200m of film, one radio, one broadcast receiver, one tape recorder, one typewriter (subject to declaration).
• Reasonable quantity of sports equipment for personal use (subject to declaration).
Internal Travel
Getting Around By Air
Air Kiribati operates an internal scheduled service to nearly all outer islands, linking them with Tarawa.
Getting Around By Water
Several passenger ferries run between the smaller islands. Boats are available for hire.
Getting Around By Road
Traffic drives on the left. All-weather roads are limited to urban Tarawa and Christmas Island. Privately owned buses and taxis are available on urban Tarawa only. Buses are fairly cheap, but taxis are expensive.
Car hire: Available on urban Tarawa and Christmas Island only.
Documentation: International Driving Permit required.
